Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio
4.5
About
Erected during Roman times, this is the most ancient and photographed bridge in Florence, which is characterized by three arches and two wide arcades on each side housing the famous and unusual "botteghe" or shops.
Duration: < 1 hour
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The area
Neighborhood: Florence Historic Center
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Restaurants
2,439 within 3 miles
Attractions
816 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Kenneth EErwin, Tennessee520 contributionsBest viewed from uffizi galleryThe bridge is filled with jewelry shops. The really best view of the bridge is from the top floor of the uffizi gallery. We were on the bridge, and people were asking, "Where's the bridge?". Doesn't really remind you of a bridge until you get to middle and see the river.Visited May 2023Traveled with familyWritten May 12, 2023
- Lisa STucson, Arizona19 contributionsTraditional Italian cuisine.Attentive staff, excellent food. Delicious Bellini from the bar. My lasagna was going to be too large for me, so they allowed a half portion and only charged me 1/2 price! Jim’s clams and pasta featured small clams ( sweeter) and the mussels for the appetizer were nice and small also.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 27, 2023
- Alan BNewport, United Kingdom1,172 contributionsOne of those 'must do things'I guess everybody has to cross the Arno by the Ponte Vecchio. You can't see much of the river as the bridge is flanked, except in the very middle, by expensive shops. A great place to see and be seen.Visited May 2023Written June 2, 2023
- newkstarDuncraig, Australia290 contributionsNot outstanding but a must do in FlorenceThe best views of the Ponte Vecchio are from the river front on either side of the Amo River - its less crowded on the side opposite central Florence. The architecture of the bridge is lovely but the bridge itself is now a sort of high end mini shopping mall; nothing of particular interest. You can also get some good views from the upper floor of the Uffizi Gallery, if you are visiting that.Visited May 2023Written June 24, 2023
- Kenosky HillsPort Harcourt, Nigeria724 contributionsA Historic Bridge - the Bridge of IuckThe Bridge of Luck as Ponte vecchio is called was one of the 5 old bridges in Firenze. Legend has it that the bridge was spared from bombardment by Mussolini because he looked at the bridge and marvelled at it's beauty as it sat over the Arno River. People visit the bridge and throw coins in the River to give them luckVisited July 2023Traveled soloWritten July 10, 2023
- Jonas AStockholm, Sweden959 contributionsOne of the must-sees in FlorenceBesides being one of the top three, must-see attractions in Florence, the Vecchio bridge it is obviously quite special in that it has building structures, i.e. shops over and across the bridge. After you have taken the obligatory pictures, it is not far to stroll to or from e.g. Palazzo Pitti or the Santo Spirito area with its restaurants and cafés.Visited April 2023Traveled with friendsWritten July 13, 2023
- George SMiami Beach, Florida1,126 contributionsIconic photo opOne of the iconic gems of Florence. Inside it is cluttered with jewelry shops but must be viewed afar as it is one of the symbols of the city. Great photo op at dusk from the west on the Santa Trinita Bridge.Visited May 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 14, 2023
- Traveler OWashington DC, District of Columbia1,122 contributionsTourist Trap of a Bridge, but worth a stopDespite becoming a tourist trap, this bridge is worth seeing at least once. Take photos from the surrounding banks and you'll have some great pics. Once on the bridge though, it's overrun with shops, stalls, small eateries, and tourists. Be mindful of belongings as it's pickpocket central.Visited April 2023Traveled with familyWritten September 11, 2023
- L_K1509London, United Kingdom1,345 contributionsA must seeObviously a must see in Florence. The bridge interesting to photograph, which can be taken from a number of view points. One must remember the bridge was built in the Roman times in order to really appreciate its beauty. Every shop on the bridge is a jewellery store and the odd souvenir stall. Plenty of men trying to sell tack or pictures displayed on the floor. Beware of pickpockets, the bridge was very busy. Road surfaces very uneven I would recommend good footwear.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 22, 2023
- Michele sOrland Park, Illinois2 contributionsMemorableWe took a River boat cruise on Arno. It was a beautiful evening with great views & facts. We shopped on the golden bridge; jewelry row. I bought beautiful Christmas gifts for my 4 granddaughters & beautiful daughter. The service was excellent!Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 30, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
21,173 reviews
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3,037
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Sonja M
Hove, UK715 contributions
Aug 2019
Once you can get passed all the selfie stick tourist , you begin to see the beauty and majesty of this bridge. Take time to enjoy the atmosphere the hustle and bustle of the shops , although sadly nearly all are catering to the tourist mass market. There are some stunning view to be had from the centre where you watching the Arno following below as it had done for years.
There are far less crowded areas of Florence with far more original charm but it is one of those must see places.
There are far less crowded areas of Florence with far more original charm but it is one of those must see places.
Written April 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rome
Philadelphia, PA93 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
As an iconic structure and as a social gathering venue, while in Florence, it is a must see.
The views are great and the atmosphere is special, especially at Christmas time. After the copious number of jewelry stores close for the night, the street musicians come out and the party begins.
The views are great and the atmosphere is special, especially at Christmas time. After the copious number of jewelry stores close for the night, the street musicians come out and the party begins.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leslie
5 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Ponte Vecchio is the iconic bridge over the Arno River. It is very picturesque. And if you are shopping for gold, the entire bridge is lined with jewelry stores. There are also restaurants but they tend to be pricey. The bridge links the old city with some famous sites on the other side (such as the Pitti Palace of the Medici’s) and picturesque neighborhoods. There are also artisans living and working on the opposite side and you can find shops with pottery, leather, handmade paper and other nice gifts. It is worth a visit.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Timzorrr
Edmonds, WA1,542 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Ponte Vecchio is a bridge with many jewelry shops on it. Originally, it was a bridge that had many butchers on it. Their continual dumping of the left over animal scraps into the river led to them being removed and replaced by high end jewelry shops.
It gets very busy but early in the morning it is a magical place to stroll and take pictures.
It gets very busy but early in the morning it is a magical place to stroll and take pictures.
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Manos M
Glyka Nera, Greece90 contributions
Dec 2019
I visited this very old bridge two days before Christmas and it was magnificent. Along the bridge there are a lot of shops shelling gold mostly. The view of Arno river and all the houses along look very romantic. Than evening was an event where a giant projector was placing pictures of the moon on the bridge.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jmichel01
Myrtle Beach, SC456 contributions
Nov 2019
When you look at all the buildings, etc more then 600 years old it makes you realize that we aren't that much smarter than people back then, just have more tools to use. This bridge to still be standing over 600 years when many of our own bridges fail after 30 years is a great example of the engineering done back then. It's a work of engineering, a work of art, and a site not to miss, plus surrounded by other things to see and do.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
swetamodi
Mumbai, India228 contributions
Sep 2019
The bridge is beautiful - has an Old World Charm to it with wooden shops lining both sides on the bridge, mainly jewellery shops.
It really takes you back in time.
Views on both sides are nice too
It really takes you back in time.
Views on both sides are nice too
Written March 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GAN L
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia8,776 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Is a medieval stone closed-spandel segmental arch bridge over the Arno river in Florence. There are many shops built along and nowadays the tenants are jewelers,art dealers and souvenir sellers. In 1900, to honor and mark the fourth century of the birth of the great Florentine sculptor and master goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini, the leading goldsmiths of the bridge decided to create a bronze bust of Cellini to stand atop a fountain in the middle of the Eastern side of the bridge, where it stands to this day.
Written March 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EllisShuman
Jerusalem, Israel64 contributions
Oct 2022
Of course we had to walk across Ponte Vecchio on our visit to Florence, but the bridge was very crowded. The stores on either side offered over-priced jewelry, and there was no real place to stop and get good photos of the river.
What I did the next morning was to get up at sunrise and gaze at the bridge from the Uffizi Galleries. That view, with the early sun lighting up the bridge, was incredible, and this made for the best photos.
What I did the next morning was to get up at sunrise and gaze at the bridge from the Uffizi Galleries. That view, with the early sun lighting up the bridge, was incredible, and this made for the best photos.
Written November 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael and V
New York City, NY16 contributions
Jan 2022
The historical bridge is lined with jewelry shops on both sides with a fantastic view of the Arno River when you reach the middle of the bridge where a bust of 'CELLINI's statue is located. Turn around to the other side for a view of the Arno River & Uffizi Gallery. Look above the Rolex jewelry shop and find a white marble plaque dedication to German Army Officer Gerard Wolf who blew up every bridge crossing the Arno River but spared the Ponte Vecchio Bride as the Allies advanced from Normandy to to liberate Florence.
Written February 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William
211 contributions
What are the best gold jewelry shops on Ponte Vecchio or elsewhere in Florence? I have heard the ones on the bridge are most expensive than elsewhere?
Weary traveler
Greater London, UK452 contributions
Hi
Yes the shops on bridge are very expensive, generally all shops are owned by same owners , so it’s difficult to get decent prices.
Also you got to remember it’s very touristy so they going to charge you as much as they getaway with
lohsefamily6
Bowling Green, KY632 contributions
Do they still leave lock locks on the bridge?
Erik S
Warnsveld, The Netherlands111 contributions
Not that i know
Asma H
Tunis, Tunisia2 contributions
Bonjour comment aller de la gare de Florence Ă ponte vecchio? Merci
nayuribes14
Figline e Incisa Valdarno, Italy40 contributions
Te recomiendo que camines, el trayecto es bonito y no te tomara mas de 20 minutos
Best Restaurant near Ponte Vecchio? Visiting Italy to celebrate my brothers 40th birthday and am looking for recommendations to the best high end restaurant near Ponte Vecchio for the night of his birthday!
RknRon
Madison, WI1,792 contributions
Frescobaldi bar none. Look at the reviews
Is the Ponte Vecchio open on a Sunday? We will be there in July
Darif05
Coatzacoalcos, Mexico184 contributions
Siempre hay paso, pero en las mańanas es cuando hay menos gente.
GraceCherrington
Florence, Italy
I’m just wondering if the diamonds or gems at Ponte Vecchio are real or counterfeit? I currently have a ring on hold at one of the stores there, but since reading a few bad reviews it has made me think otherwise.
mppalmer
Klang, Malaysia462 contributions
I’m not too sure of they are real but given the tourist levels in the area I would be cautious.
munchiescrunchy
Brighton, UK39 contributions
how do we get from pisa airport to florence
Pamela F
70 contributions
Just today we took the train from Florence to Pisa and back. Trip takes just about one hour each way. Cost 8.4 E. Very easy, anyone can do it if we did! Trains run about every 30-60 minutes.
We enjoyed walking around Pisa for 5 hours. Easy to get away from the crowds. We followed the old city wall.
girlonthegoWhistler
whistler2 contributions
We are staying in an airbnb on the Ponte Vecchio. Can a Taxi drive over the bridge to deliver us to our apartment or do we have to walk with luggage.
pam567
Boca Raton, FL40 contributions
Cars are not allowed
Is there Disabled Access for a wheelchair user. Disabled bathrooms?
mnmcsls
Sydney, Australia172 contributions
Ponte Vecchio is connected to adjacent street so has no steps, yes it's wheelchair accessible. However like other old town in Italy public toilet, not to mention disable toilet, are difficult to find. The only hope is the surrounding restaurant or shops.
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Claim your listingPonte Vecchio - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Ponte Vecchio
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Ponte Vecchio:
- Best of Florence: small-group walking tour (From $32.71)
- Best of Florence Tour by Night (From $206.10)
- Electric Cart Tour of Florence (From $64.34)
- Private Photo Walking Tour in Florence (From $163.57)
- Best of Florence: Small Group Tour Skip-the-Line David & Accademia with Duomo (From $74.15)
- Hotels near Ponte Vecchio:
- (0.01 mi) JUST OFF PONTE VECCHIO A PIAZZA SIGNORIA LUXURY SUITE
- (0.03 mi) Duomo Apartment
- (0.03 mi) MSN Apartments - Florence
- (0.03 mi) ON THE PONTE VECCHIO SUITE
- (0.03 mi) Florence Ponte Vecchio Show luxury apartment
- Restaurants near Ponte Vecchio:
- (0.03 mi) Borgo San Jacopo
- (0.03 mi) Albero Cafe Fresh Juices & Organic
- (0.03 mi) Osteria Del Ponte Vecchio
- (0.04 mi) Il Panino del Chianti
- (0.04 mi) Caffe Pontevecchio
- Attractions near Ponte Vecchio:
- (0.00 mi) Artist for a Day
- (0.00 mi) Fratelli Piccini Gioiellieri
- (0.01 mi) Corridoio Vasariano
- (0.01 mi) Toscana Sup
- (0.02 mi) HUMILIS Made in Assisi (Boutique Firenze Ponte Vecchio)